Isaac's Autism in the Wild

Episode #112 | Remote Support with SafeinHome

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | October 18, 2021

Today we are joined by Erin Holthaus with SafeinHome Remote Support Services. SafeinHome is a new service available in Washington state to help keep our loved ones with autism or other special needs safe while allowing some independence. This on-call remote support assistance is made possible using technology assisted communication devices (ie a walkie talkie or tablet/phone communication) that your loved one would use to either contact, or be contacted by, the support agency. By utilizing these technology methods SafeinHome is able to provide one-on-one care to the individual in the exact moment they need support-any time of the day. Each family that utilizes the services can determine the type of care they would like to receive and only need to use the technology they are comfortable with (cameras are NOT required). Take a listen and learn all about the services they provide and how you can help expand these services in Washington state.

SafeinHome

Support: 855-476-6665

Web: www.safeinhome.com

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Episode #111 Soar Behavioral

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | September 27, 2021

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild Podcast Holly was joined by Jim Matthews, Executive Director of SOAR Behavior Services. SOAR is a prominent ABA provider in Spokane with locations across the state of Washington, in Idaho, and Nevada. We discuss how SOAR was founded and the services they provide. We also delve into issues concerning wait lists, staff turnover, and the politics involved in home vs school ABA settings.

About Jim Matthews

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Jim Matthews holds four Bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, Irvine and two Masters degrees in Educational Psychology and School Psychology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. Jim is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Throughout his two decades of working in ABA, he has worked with thousands of children and families both in schools and in private practice. Jim lives in Spokane WA. Professionally, Jim has dedicated his life to helping all people with disabilities. He is deeply passionate about helping people who are most in need during the time when they most need it. He feels strongly that ABA can confer meaningful lifelong skills that both enrich and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

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Episode #110 | Gender Identity & the LGBTQIA+ Community

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | September 13, 2021

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild we talk to parents that all are raising both children on the spectrum and children that identify with the LGBTQIA+ community in some way. We have seen a large number of our kiddos with autism questioning their own identity or genders as well as several of the neuro-typical siblings exploring their identities as well. We discuss this connection and determine if we feel these are attention seeking behaviors or simply valid self exploration. We also discuss the challenges of parenting these children-the process of switching pronouns/names, and dealing with the critical views of extended family or communities that are less accepting.

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Episode #109 | Autism & Siblings -Tyler’s Story

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 30, 2021

This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by another VERY special guest, her son Tyler. Tyler is 17 years old and was the only child in the family to have spent time with Isaac as they were only 11 months apart in age.

Tyler is an aggressive advocate for those with autism and other special needs. He is very close to his brother Caleb and acts as a mentor to him which, as a 17 year old young man, comes with its pros and cons 🙂 We joke, but you will hear throughout this episode, what a passionate and kind young man Tyler is.

We discuss Tyler’s early memories of Isaac, how the ISAAC Foundation has impacted him throughout the years, and the struggles that he has experienced. Take a listen, we are sure you will be inspired by some of the charismatic gems of wisdom Tyler shares in-between the curse words.

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Episode #108 | The ABA Debate with Self-Advocate John Lemus

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 27, 2021

In this episode our host, Holly is joined by Self-Advocate John Lemus. John is an experienced Outreach Coordinator and has worked extensively in the non-profit industry, specifically in disability relations. John is a strong community and social services professional and a 2015 Graduate of Leadership Spokane. We are excited to have him, and his friend/ally/advocate, Katrina Boik on our show today to discuss the highly debated topic of ABA Therapy.

Over the past few years stories of abusive practices in ABA therapies have gained attention on social media, and as a result, a percentage of the Self-Advocate community are now fierce opponents to this and other therapies/interventions used to aid in behavior modification in children with autism and related conditions. Admittedly our panel has fallen on different sides of this argument over years as they have deciphered through stories/articles, learned about the current delivery of therapy methods, and determined if their sources were based on fact or misinformation.

Listen in to hear the evolution of beliefs for John as a self-advocate; Katrina as an advocate and disabilities professional, and Holly as the parent to children on alternate sides of the spectrum as well as a disabilities professional.

References from John:

These two books are responsible for changing me from a bulldog advocate to a more compassionate and empathic person who can see things from multiple viewpoints not just within my work but in life.

I think your wrong but I’m listening (a guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations)

by Sarah Steward Holland and Beth Silvers

https://www.amazon.com/Think-Youre-Wrong-Listening-Conversations/dp/1400208416

These amazing ladies also run https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/

I believe I mentioned 12 steps to a compassionate life

by Karen Armstrong.

https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Steps-to-a-Compassionate-Life/dp/0307742881/

One last book that I’ve been pushing is: Divergent mind thriving in a world that wasn’t designed for you

by Jenara Nerenbeg who is a female autistic author

(this book is currently $1.99 on iBooks)

https://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Mind-Thriving-World-Designed/dp/0062876805/

A really great blog post from my amazingly incredible BFF Katrina Boik https://soarbehaviorwa.com/inclusive-language/

Lastly I’ve been sharing this video from Simon Sinek with some autistics that talks about stop championing blunt honesty. It talks about how to adapt and how to still be honest without being an asshole https://fb.watch/7udTXgeBNU/

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Episode #107 | Autism & Siblings-Kelly’s Story

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 18, 2021

This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by a VERY special guest, her daughter Kelly. Kelly is 11 years old and has been raised in an “autism house” since day one. Her older brother Caleb (13yrs) has ASD 1 and now through Holly’s recent marriage she has gained an 18 year old step-brother, Cooper, who is more significantly impacted.

On this episode we discuss what life is like as a neuro-typical kid in a home where autism is present. As Kelly will divulge it is not all roses and sunshine, despite that, Kelly has a very optimistic view of her life and the challenges autism presents in general. Kelly is a very kind, empathetic young woman that is a fierce advocate for her brothers. She discusses the issues that have arisen as a result of autism, how she has dealt with those issues, as well as what she sees in the future for herself and her brothers with autism.

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Episode #106 What NOT to say to a special needs parent

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 11, 2021

In this episode we discuss the cringe-worthy compliments we have received over the years. Sentiments like “God gives special children to special people” and “You are such a great advocate for your child” are meant to be confidence boosters, but over time can grate the nerves of a special needs parent. So listen in and hear some of the well meaning comments that have irked our parents over the years!

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Episode #105 | Executive Function Q&A with Becky Gardner

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 5, 2021

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild we are joined again by our friend Becky Gardner of “A Life of My Own” Executive Function Coaching. Several parents have also joined us to ask her questions about executive function as it relates to their own children. Listen in and learn along with our parents, some strategies to help launch our children successfully!

Becky Gardner, Becky@alifeofmyown.com www.alifeofmyown.com
(425) 484-0773

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Episode #104 | Housing Options for Adults

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | July 19, 2021

In this episode we are joined by Desiree Kameka Galloway of The Autism Housing Network. Holly had first learned of their work as well as the Madison House Autism Foundation a few years back while attending a conference about “Life After High School.” Holly was so impressed with Desiree’s presentation and has used their site as a reference to our families for years. The ISAAC Foundation has been receiving more and more calls from parents regarding concerns for long term living situations for their adult children in recent years so we reached out to Desiree to see if she could explain some of the housing options that exist and what the Autism Housing Network can do to help families as they determine the long term plans for their loved ones.

Contact Info:

Desiree Kameka Galloway

Director, Autism Housing Network

National Coordinator, Coalition for Community Choice

Madison House Autism Foundation

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Episode 103 | Self Advocate: Sydney

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | July 15, 2021

This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by Sydney. Sydney is a 27 year old self advocate that just relocated to Spokane from Alaska. We cover it all in this episode: from her diagnosis as a child, to her career in Alaska, and now how she is settling in to life in Spokane. Sydney is an ambitious young woman with a strong sense of self and will be a great ambassador for self advocates in Spokane, we are happy to have met with her and look forward to collaborating with her again soon!

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